Obesity in health-care settings

 Obesity-related stigma can influence how obese people interact with health-care professionals and access health care. The aim of this article was to undertake a synthesis of studies examining the views and experiences of both obese people in relation to their health-care provision and health-care professionals in providing care to obese patients.

Thirty studies were identified with all reporting obesity impacting on health-care interactions. Key themes identified were experiences of stigma and feelings of powerlessness, treatment avoidance, psycho-emotional functioning, professional attitudes, confidence and training, variations in health contact time and finally, differences in treatment options and preventative measures.

Mold, Freda, Forbes, Angus.(2013). Patients' and professionals' experiences and perspectives of obesity in health-care settings: a synthesis of current research. Health Expectations, 16(2), 119-142